Okhotsk Museum Esashi - Hokkaido

Okhotsk Museum Esashi (オホーツクミュージアムえさし) is a local museum with numerous exhibits about the town. It is located at 1614-1 Mikasacho in the town of Esashi, Esashi District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Okhotsk Museum Esashi

Okhotsk Museum Esashi Details

Okhotsk Museum Esashi is a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts. Housed in a striking, castle-like building, the museum offers visitors an immersive experience of the region's natural and cultural heritage, with free entry making it accessible to all.

Okhotsk Museum Esashi - Esashi town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Established in 1999, the Okhotsk Museum Esashi is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and natural history of the Esashi area and the Sea of Okhotsk coast. Its extensive collection includes the nationally significant Artifacts Excavated from the Menashidomari Site, a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Outside the Okhotsk Museum Esashi

Lavenders were at full bloom when we visited

オホーツクミュージアムえさし

The museum's facade reminds me of a grand hotel or a castle

Inside the Okhotsk Museum Esashi

Okhotsk Museum Esashi's Exhibits and Attractions*

1. Okhotsk Culture Collection

The museum boasts a vast array of 204 nationally important cultural artifacts that bring the unique Okhotsk culture to life. From prehistoric tools to items reflecting ancient daily life, these exhibits offer a deep dive into the region's past.

2. The Enigmatic Desmostylus

Uncover the secrets of the Desmostylus, a mysterious ancient mammal that roamed the region. Cutting-edge research and reconstructions make this exhibit a highlight for visitors intrigued by paleontology.

3. Japan’s Largest Killer Whale Skeleton

At over 7 meters long, the museum's killer whale skeleton specimen is the largest of its kind in Japan. This impressive display greets visitors at the entrance, setting the tone for the wonders that await inside.

4. Nature of the Esashi Region

Discover the region’s biodiversity with an extensive collection of fish, birds, insects, and plants. These specimens vividly illustrate the rich natural environment of Esashi and the Sea of Okhotsk coastline.

5. History of Esashi and Utanobori

From tales of Esashi’s gold dust mining to the historic Kohin Kita Line, this exhibit delves into the lives and lifestyles of the region’s past inhabitants. It’s a captivating way to connect with the history of northern Japan.

*I posted only a handful of photos of the exhibits, and I purposely didn't label them so that you would only get a glimpse of what the Okhotsk Museum Esashi has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.

Prehistoric Treasures and Modern Insights

The museum’s standout attraction is its prehistoric exhibits, particularly artifacts excavated from the Menashidomari Ruins. These relics, which are nationally recognized as significant cultural properties, offer a glimpse into ancient Okhotsk culture. Visitors can enhance their experience with free tablet devices, providing detailed explanations of the displays.

Team Nicerio visits the Okhotsk Museum Esashi

On July 16, 2023, my daughter and I visited the Okhotsk Museum Esashi for the first time during the second day of our Father and Daughter Road Trip #5, which was my 622nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Since we visited on a rainy day, we cut short our stay at the Mikasayama Observatory and spent most of our time here. The museum has plenty of interesting and very informative exhibits. My daughter and I learned a lot about the history of the town. We particularly enjoyed the exhibits about the animals in the region. It wasn’t a surprise that we stayed in the museum for almost 2 hours.

Okhotsk Museum Esashi Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Okhotsk Museum Esashi.

Okhotsk Museum Esashi Operating Hours

Okhotsk Museum Esashi is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

It is closed every Monday and the last Tuesday of the month (if a national holiday falls on a Monday, the following weekday will be closed) and also on New Year's holidays (December 30th to January 4th).

Why visit the Okhotsk Museum Esashi?

Visiting the Okhotsk Museum Esashi offers a rich cultural experience, allowing you to delve into the fascinating history and natural beauty of Esashi. The museum’s unique displays, ranging from the massive skeleton of a killer whale to ancient artifacts from the Okhotsk culture, provide a diverse and captivating exploration of the region’s heritage. Best of all, the museum is family-friendly and budget-friendly, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages and interests. 

Getting to the Okhotsk Museum Esashi

 

From Asahikawa Station Platform 8 in Asahikawa City, board the Limited Express Esashi (Esashi - Asahikawa) of the Soya Bus Company going to Esashi Terminal. This line operates once a day.

Fare:

One way - 5,000 yen

Round Trip - 9,000 yen 

Take note that a reservation is required. You may want to see the updated information on the Soya Bus Official Website by clicking this LINK.

Once you reach Esashi Terminal, ride a taxi or walk for about 1.6 kilometers to reach the museum.

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